Founder/President Pharmacology Declassified Columbus, New Jersey
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.
Management of acute odontogenic pain is accomplished through a clinical approach that successfully incorporates both opioid and non-opioid analgesics. The safe and effective utilization of opioids for the management of dental pain is of immediate concern to all dental clinicians during the current opioid epidemic. It is critical for dental clinicians to not only employ appropriate prescribing practices when utilizing opioid and non-opioid analgesics to treat pain but also to apply best practices when assessing pain control and educating patients on opioid-associated risks and opioid safety. This program will provide an overview of strategies for effectively assessing and managing dental pain, appropriately prescribing opioid and non-opioid analgesics, advising patients about potential risks and adverse effects, educating patients on the proper handling of opioid medications, identifying patients at risk for substance abuse and counseling patients on the availability of agents used in the management and prevention of opioid overdose and treatment of opioid use disorder.
Learning Objectives:
At the conclusion of this presentation, participants should be able to:
Describe the pharmacology and therapeutics of opioid and non-opioid analgesics in the management of acute dental pain.
Discuss appropriate prescribing practices for opioid analgesics, including dosing, quantities allowed and directions for use.
Cite techniques useful in identifying underlying substance abuse disorders and recognizing potential for addiction.
Review techniques for educating and counseling patients about potential risk of dependence, addiction and overdose associated with opioid analgesics.
Identify the recommendations for proper storage and disposal of unused doses of opioid analgesics.
